Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
NNFA-0019
Organization's ID:
R/N0247
Organization:
U.S. Fire Administration - National Fire Academy (NFA)
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
10 days (65 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Upper-Division Baccalaureate 3 hazardous materials
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to enable paramedic personnel who have an advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical responsibility at hazardous materials incidents, and it promises a rigorous experience for the student. In-depth chemistry, as it relates to hazardous materials components of the medical support system are the three primary focuses of this course. Toxicology and decontamination procedures are covered from an advanced Emergency Medical Services (EMS) viewpoint. Strategies for safe emergency medical interaction with contaminated victims are discussed in detail

Learning Outcomes:

  • understand the National Fire Academy (NFA) administrative requirements, the course goal, organization of the course units and be familiar with colleague participant names, home jurisdictions and organizations, professional experiences, level of chemistry knowledge and all course expectations
  • summarize the roles of the health care provider in a xenobiotic exposure
  • interpret a periodic table to identify atoms, types of elements, atomic weights and atomic numbers of elements
  • compare salts and inorganic non-salts, their names and hazards
  • given a name, structure or formula, identify organic compounds and their hazards
  • describe the fundamental biochemical reactions
  • interpret the concepts of basic cellular physiology, energy production, and the manufacture of biomolecules
  • evaluate the effects of hazardous materials on the blood and blood components
  • evaluate effects of hazardous materials on the nervous systems
  • evaluate the effects of hazardous materials on the respiratory system
  • evaluate the effects of hazardous materials on the cardiovascular system
  • evaluate effects of hazardous materials on the digestive system
  • evaluate effects of hazardous materials on the hepatic and renal systems
  • evaluate the effects of hazardous materials on the skin
  • given a category of pesticides, identify the potential target organs and predict the effects on the human body system
  • given a category of selected hazardous materials, identify the potential target organs and predict the effects on the human body system
  • given a category of xenobiotics, identify the potential target organs and predict the effects on the human body system
  • given a scenario, analyze the toxicological event presented in the scenario and apply an appropriate treatment plan
  • identify the potential acute or chronic medical sequelae that may result from single or recurring occupational exposures to hazardous materials.

General Topics:

  • Standard of care
  • Basics of chemistry
  • Inorganic chemistry
  • Organic chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Cellular anatomy and physiology
  • Blood and blood components
  • The nervous system
  • The respiratory system
  • Inhalation injury (Knock-Down Syndrome)
  • The cardiovascular system
  • The digestive system
  • Biotransformation and elimination
  • The skin
  • Pesticides
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Drugs
  • Initial patient care plan activity
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Case Studies
  • Discussion
  • Learner Presentations
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)
  • Presentations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials